https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:05:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1842360 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 04:02:43 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1842360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DonnaF and Greyscale, I also stuff my shoes with undies and socks. I can't stand the thought of all that space inside my shoes or around the straps on sandals going unused! I have used newspaper bags, but since I no longer get a newspaper, I've found that shoe bags that come come with more expensive shoes are great, too.</p> <p>These thoughts about packing cubes are really interesting. I think I might be able to make some use of them. But I do worry about the pockets of unused space around odd-shaped items (shoes, hair dryer, diffuser--yes, I always bring my own dryer, because of the need for a diffuser). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1842335 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 02:18:24 +0000 minimalist 1842335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking forward to hearing how these work for you, Donna! I've never tried the shirt envelope; please report back on specifics of that. </p> <p>Everything delurked said. I kept reading her post thinking there might be a "downside" section. The only one I've found is the temptation to use the cubes for other purposes when not traveling. Before having used them, they seemed to me like a superfluous purchase that couldn't be much benefit. So I can empathize with the agonizing. </p> <p>All of my cubes are from Eagle Creek, "Pack-It Original" cubes. Perhaps not very original, but indispensable. The plastic lining in the water-repellent side of the clean/dirty double cube is showing signs of disintegrating after only five years, never exposed to extreme heat.<br /> I don't love Eagle Creek's pouches for travel, so repurposed them for power supplies and small camera accessories; didn't ever find a use for the largest pouch. </p> <p>Here are the pouches I like. They're kind of overkill, but a pleasure to use.<br /> <a href="https://www.dsptch.com/products/accessory-cases" rel="nofollow">https://www.dsptch.com/products/accessory-cases</a><br /> The set I bought came with a vertical pouch as well, which didn't suit me, but Mr Max was very happy to take off my hands and uses regularly as a pencil/brush/pen case; it stands solidly on its bottom and the sides can be turned down when unzipped.</p> <p>I have a few of these as well:<br /> <a href="http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/tools/walker/1home.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.thesavvytraveller.c...../1home.htm</a><br /> Though I use them for handbag sanity rather than for travel. The colors are, as Janet pointed out, helpful visually.</p> <p>My old workhorse, perfectly compartmented hanging toiletry case was from Deuter. Silly me, got rid of it when I minimized after leaving the job that involved 80%+ travel, and the kind I had is not made any more. Love to hear any current suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1842248 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 20:20:39 +0000 Anonymous 1842248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you will be very happy with them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1842232 Mon, 04 Sep 2017 18:40:34 +0000 DonnaF 1842232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I started to go blind from reading reviews, but last night I ordered the AmazonBasics four pack which has one each of four different sizes.&nbsp; I found it interesting that some reviews complained about the cubes being too small and others complained that they never use the larger sizes.&nbsp; It probably has to do with the types of clothing one packs and how large they are.&nbsp; If some don't work out, I figure I can always pass on the largest size to DH and the smaller ones to DD who runs hot and wears skimpy clothes.</p> <p>Oh, and I also bought a shirt envelope so that I can pack shirt dresses and shirts on trips!</p> <p>I'm not sure why I agonized so long and hard about a relatively inexpensive item -- other than the fact that I'm a confirmed agonizer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1841938 Sun, 03 Sep 2017 16:38:28 +0000 Greyscale 1841938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use these cheap Amazon cubes though I might upgrade some day.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VBIEZQ/" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014VBIEZQ/</a></p> <p>Donna, I also pack my shoes full of socks and undies. Keeps them from getting crushed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1841909 Sun, 03 Sep 2017 13:58:17 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1841909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PdxRae, there's nothing at that link. Can you try again, or post a pic of yours?</p> <p>ETA--nevermind, i found it. The link was just truncated by YLF when you pasted it in. </p> <p>I've been trying to use trays to corral things better at home. This is interesting. Thanks for posting it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1841809 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 21:48:14 +0000 PdxRae 1841809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love packing cubes! Before airlines starting charging for luggage, I kept my sanity when packing for 3 kids and keeping everything organized by using a different color for each kid. Two of my three kids still use them when they travel near or far. </p> <p>I personally find them very useful, I separate tops and bottoms, use smaller cubes for underwear/different activities. </p> <p>Packing cubes help keep belongings tidy in the event security needs a closer inspection or I have to look for something last minute.</p> <p>Tom Binh makes a drawstring travel tray that I find indespnsible for keeping track of small items in a hotel room. <a href="https://www.tombihn.com/collections/accessories/products" rel="nofollow">https://www.tombihn.com/collec.....s/products</a><br /> /travel-tray?variant=17227942407.</p> <p>For carry-on liquids, the Ziploc slider quart size stand and fill bags are my go to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840868 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 17:41:05 +0000 Laura G 1840868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Someone posted in June(?) about her ingenious method of packing toiletries in little ziplock bags. I couldn't find it with search. If someone can find it and post the link, I think it would be helpful here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840824 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:51:01 +0000 Susie 1840824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all the things related to organizing! Generally I don't put main clothing items in packing cubes but I like them for underwear, socks, sleepwear, bathing suits. &nbsp;As others mentioned, it's nice if your suitcase gets opened plus it's great to easily unpack and keep things organized in drawers. I also have a flat mesh pouch I use for cords, chargers, etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840818 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:37:29 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I put my shoes in bags before packing them. Recently they've been bags from clothes I ordered online; if you return them with the clothes, they get thrown out.<br /> I used to use a hanging toiletries bag from Lands End, but after carryon restrictions changed to small bottles, it didn't make sense. Eagle Creek's Wallebee is made to work with the 3-1-1 rule, so I've been considering it, but I'm not sure I carry enough toiletries for it to be useful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840813 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:29:02 +0000 Anonymous 1840813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Joy</b> and <b>DonnaF</b> - I went digital on newspapers last year. &nbsp;Losing the steady supply of bags was a bigger loss than the physical newspaper!</p> <p>I've been contemplating a hanging toiletry bag for a while. &nbsp;Y'all are convincing me to give one a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840801 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:56:12 +0000 Janet 1840801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are the ones I use:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IB8QD9E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1">https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod.....#038;psc=1</a></p> <p>I don't use the very large ones much. Maybe they would come in handy for a huge suitcase, but if I have anything that bulky to pack, it usually just gets laid across the top of everything I packed. The others are super useful though.&nbsp;</p> <p>I agree with Joy about the hanging toiletry bag. Those are a necessity for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840796 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:44:25 +0000 gryffin 1840796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ebags - they have every size and use.&nbsp; I packed my son for two weeks in europe, he's 16 yo, and he was able to stay organized.&nbsp; I roll within the travel cubes.&nbsp; I have small different colored bags for electronic accessories.&nbsp; The shoe bags, a great travel toiletry bag.&nbsp; I could not live without them and they hold up really well.&nbsp; Well worth the investment.&nbsp; You get the sizes, you need.&nbsp; Fantastic!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840750 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 07:20:46 +0000 elpgal 1840750@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sister gave me a set. I roll most of my individual items and don't overpack, so they weren't particularly useful to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840747 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 06:15:05 +0000 Anonymous 1840747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna, we get 2-3 newspapers a day in those bags. They are repurposed to pick up and dispose of doggy doo on walks. Hand fits inside to pick up without mess, then tie it in a knot. Can also be used to hold a soiled baby diaper. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840745 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 06:08:42 +0000 Anonymous 1840745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Odis not read all the other responses but like the packing cubes for underwear, belts and other accessories, device cords and chargers, etc. I love most the packing envelopes for compressing and holding my clothes. Minimal wrinkles if you fold as directed. My sons who are masters of packing, buy envelopes and cubes to exactly fit in a carry on or backpack. It is amazing how much they can pack and how organized they are. I could not pack without these things. They can be a bit of an investment but worth every penny and will serve you for years and years.<br /> I also like my hanging cosmetic bag. It is indispensable, especially in tight quarters like on a cruise.<br /> I think all of our cubes, envelopes and toiletrie bags are from Eagle Creek. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840734 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 05:04:03 +0000 Astrid 1840734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For travel in a backpack and with smaller bags I prefer stuff sacks to cubes, they get less "brick like" when they're full and they are easier to pack around. I have Sea to Summit stuff sacks in three sizes in a very light nylon and one in mesh (for wet things for example). Of course they are better with casual clothes, I definitely couldn't put interview clothing into them. But I like them to keep underwear, shoes, dirty clothes etc separate from my other things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840708 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 01:34:12 +0000 DonnaF 1840708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I'm the only one who stuffs socks in her shoes before travel and then puts a shoe or two in one of those plastic bags that protect delivered newspapers?&nbsp; Or am I the only one who gets a paper newspaper delivered?&nbsp; And we used to get two per day delivered, so that was a lot of plastic bags during our rains after the drought finally ended.</p> <p>I can totally see cubes for a backpack or duffel.&nbsp; And for the mess I make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840699 Tue, 29 Aug 2017 01:10:12 +0000 Thea 1840699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We use them - not as efficiently as some of the YLFers, but they work for us, especially when traveling as a family (2 adults and 2 teens). Great way to separate outfits, husband loves the shirt folder (no wrinkles, shirts all in one place) and DD loves that she doesn't get cooties from her brother's clothes. I try to have different colors for everyone to make it easier to sort out once we get to our destination.<br />(This has been a great thread!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840668 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 22:15:59 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1840668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like them, especially for longer trips when there's the temptation to get messy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice/page/2#post-1840666 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 22:06:25 +0000 frannieb 1840666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About 2 times a year i travel to central america and do the backpacker thing for about 10 to 12 days each time. I swear by packing cubes for my backpack. For travel with family in a suitcase it is a toss up if I use or don't use. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840655 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:45:02 +0000 Carla 1840655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another fan of packing cubes for reasons covered above. I use 3, rolling tops and bottoms for the big one, undies, socks, pjs for medium one, hair paraphernalia in the small. Shoes and other things get tucked around and between. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840653 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:42:21 +0000 Anonymous 1840653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laughing. &nbsp;When I went to Atlanta earlier this month, I overpacked. &nbsp;You are right. &nbsp;This would never work for carry-on. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840649 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:37:51 +0000 Jenn 1840649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh man, <b>Sterling</b>....a couple of those would fill my whole suitcase!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840647 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:34:53 +0000 Anonymous 1840647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey <b>Jenn</b> -- I found I could pack my shoes in plastic shoes boxes. &nbsp;The plastic boxes fit perfectly in the large packing cube with lots of room left over for rolled up clothing articles. &nbsp;The shoes are protected. &nbsp;Nothing gets dirty or soiled. &nbsp;The shoes are corralled in a packing cube. &nbsp;The system works great. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840623 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:11:34 +0000 Jenn 1840623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Sterling, I also use the pouches, in almost the same way. The large pouches are a great size for shoes, keeping any dirt on them away from my clothes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840620 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:08:59 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1840620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Donna, the compression ones are for knits, T-shirts, socks &amp; undies, not for things you're worried about wrinkling. </p> <p>Sterling, some people prefer different colors so their items are color coded. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840614 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 20:02:09 +0000 Anonymous 1840614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine do not compress. &nbsp;No wrinkles. &nbsp;I am happy. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840612 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 19:57:48 +0000 DonnaF 1840612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, Jane and Ginger, looks like we've hit the jackpot!&nbsp; Thanks, delurked, Greyscale, StyleFan, unfrumpted, fashiontern, Murph11, Sterling, Janet, Marilyn, Jenn, Ryce, chouette22, and Maeve for weighing in. </p> <p>Cubes seem to have a lot of fans, mostly for keeping things organized.&nbsp; And yes, my suitcase tends to look like it exploded shortly after I open it.&nbsp; Most of my stuff tends to get hung up, so then it doesn't look so bad.</p> <p>The compression aspect appeals to me.&nbsp; But it looks like some cubes compress more than others? And does compression set wrinkles? Or the opposite?</p> <p>Most of my travel heretofore has been to my MILs by car, so volume hasn't really been an issue. I really prefer a tighter capsule and fewer pieces to haul and will be doing some plane travel, so it looks like cubes will be in my future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/packing-cubes-useful-advice#post-1840610 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 19:56:17 +0000 Anonymous 1840610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My large-size packing cubes all have a mesh insert. &nbsp;I can see the contents in an instant. &nbsp;I don't think they would serve me as well without the mesh. &nbsp;They are a miracle and I can't imagine ever packing for a trip without them. &nbsp;</p> <p>In contrast, my pouches are just "pouches." &nbsp;I can't see inside them, but the size of the pouch dictates what I use it for. &nbsp;Small pouch =&gt; makeup/chapstick/comb/mirror/ink pens/paper. &nbsp;The middle pouch is for the stuff I want to use in the bathroom =&gt; toothbrush/toothpaste/<br />soap/shampoo/deodorant/razor. &nbsp;I use the large pouch for whatever purpose that particular trip demands. &nbsp;Not being able to see inside the individual pouches has not caused me any problems whatsoever.</p> <p>I think medium-sized packing cubes could come in really handy. &nbsp;I have this weird thing about color though. &nbsp;I want them all to match in color. &nbsp;I can't seem to find medium-sized packing cubes that exactly coordinate with what I already own. &nbsp;Yes. This is stupid. &nbsp;I can't help myself. &nbsp; </p>